Sacrament of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is normally administered to children in the 8th grade after their completion of a three-year formation process leading to the celebration of the sacrament. A Bishop comes to administer the sacrament to our young people.
One of the three Sacraments of Initiation, Confirmation bestows the Gift of the Holy Spirit, whom the Lord sent upon the apostles at Pentecost. This giving of the Holy Spirit conforms us more completely to Christ and strengthens us to bear witness to Christ in the world as we build up the body of Christ, the Church. As the Instruction during the Rite of Confirmation tells us,
One of the three Sacraments of Initiation, Confirmation bestows the Gift of the Holy Spirit, whom the Lord sent upon the apostles at Pentecost. This giving of the Holy Spirit conforms us more completely to Christ and strengthens us to bear witness to Christ in the world as we build up the body of Christ, the Church. As the Instruction during the Rite of Confirmation tells us,
"You have already been baptized into Christ and now you will receive the power of his Spirit and the sign of the cross on your forehead. You must be witnesses before all the world to his suffering, death, and resurrection; your way of life should at all times reflect the goodness of Christ. Christ gives varied gifts to his Church, and the Spirit distributes them among the members of Christ’s body to build up the holy people of God in unity and love.
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Be active members of the Church, alive in Jesus Christ. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit give your lives completely in the service of all, as did Christ, who came not to be served but to serve."
For teenagers past the eighth-grade and for adults who have been baptized and who have received Holy Communion but who have not received Confirmation, special preparation programs are available leading to their celebration of this sacrament. Confirmation for these groups is usually celebrated at Pentecost, the culmination and close of Easter Time.
More information about Confirmation for teens past the eighth grade and for adults who need only Confirmation in order to complete their initiation into the Church can be obtained by calling the parish office.